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Post by Tismri on Dec 27, 2012 11:17:07 GMT -5
"Why are we focusing so much more intently on the Shade Rider now?" Shiki asked the elders, arms crossed. "I mean, we've known about her for months now, but we've only just begun to fight back?"
"It is not as simple as all that," came the strained reply. Although he was a valuable Rider, Shiki never was afraid to speak his mind, and that wore on the patience of the elders. "We were unsure as to the nature of the gathering in the Haddarac. We needed to make sure we were not going to overturn a hornet's nest without reason."
"A Rider who hasn't been seen in sixteen years suddenly turns up as a Shade and starts gathering all manner of creatures around her, and you didn't think it would be a good idea to stop it before it got out of hand? And now Gloriann's been taken by them and that alone has been what pushed you to pursue them."
"Enough, young Rider. You were called in here to receive your new assignment. You and Eva are to the city of Dras-Leona. We've noticed a pattern in the Shade's spread of influence and believe that city is going to be the next place they hit."
"Very well, ebrithil, I shall do so." Shiki turned to leave, but before he exited, he turned to glance back at them. "And just so you know, you are being a great role model. When a potential crisis rises up in the next century, I will waited for one of my young charges to be kidnapped before I do anything about it at all."
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Post by Trinn on Dec 27, 2012 19:43:19 GMT -5
OOC: I suppose we'll say Eva's waiting for Shiki, because she's already been told of the mission.
The winter sunlight glistened off Eos's delicate looking yellow scales, as pale as a spring flower in bud. Eva leaned against her bonds side, against the scales that were in reality really quite hard and sharp, though they were as smooth as butter. Eva always took great care to keep Eos's scales manicured. Her dragon could be a vain creature, yet she found that was often the case with the species. She watched Shiki coming towards her now, and noticed that he looked slightly upset. It wouldn't surprise her if he had had a disagreement with the elders. "Shiki!" she greeted him, pushing away from Eos. "Are you ready, friend? Dras Leona is a great city. I've heard that it was once quite the insidious place, but you would never know that now. Queen Nasuada has done wonders for Alagaesia. It would be a shame if we couldn't stop that shade rider from ruining it."
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Post by Tismri on Dec 27, 2012 21:17:19 GMT -5
Shiki's expression brightened considerably when he noticed Eva coming toward him. Despite his annoyance with the elders, he was quite pleased with his assignment. To be able to go on a mission with Eva would allow him to get to know her a bit better...and perhaps give him a chance to catch her eye. Although he knew the reason why they'd put the two of them together in the first place. The elders were all upset with Eva for not only running off on a self-appointed mission to save Glory, but for taking Antien with her as well. They must have thought sending her with a more responsible Rider would help quell desires to go off on her own.
As she talked about Dras-Leona, Shiki shrugged in response. "Cities are hellholes," he replied in his usual careless tone, "With all those people around, trouble is sure to turn up." Yuki dropped out of the sky and snorted above his head, taking care to just ruffle his hair without letting him feel the heat from her breath. Still, he flinched slightly but said nothing.
Pardon him, Yuki said, apologizing for him as she usually did. His conversation with the elders left him in an irritable mood. He means to say most cities hold the potential for greater danger. Shiki rolled his eyes.
"Isn't that what I said?"
I think you could have chosen a better word than "hellhole."
"Anyway, I'm ready to go whenever."
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Post by Trinn on Dec 28, 2012 17:52:04 GMT -5
Rather than be put off by Shiki's cursing, Eva found her smile only grew wider. Strangely, she had missed Shiki and all his crassness. "They are that, too", she said as Yuki was landing. "Do not worry, Yuki, Shiki has yet to offend me." Eosnwas sniffing the air, inspecting the scents of the two who, to her, we're practically strangers. The pale yellow dragon had heard of Shiki before, but had rarely ever seen him except in passing. He seems kind despite his words. she told Eva now.
Aye, he is one of the kindest people i know. Eva agreed. "Eons and I are ready, too. We've already packed and prepared for the trip." She couldn't help but think of Antien. To be sent away from him now was nearly torture. Not only was she halfway through her training with him, but she thought that he was beginning to perhaps develop feelings for her. It thrilled her to think of it. Perhaps she could go say goodbye... But he already knew that she was embarking on this quest. To see him now would only make her feel more sad. "Right", she said, clapping her hands together, "we should set off while the sun still has the day to give us."
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Post by Tismri on Dec 28, 2012 18:36:50 GMT -5
Shiki mounted Yuki's saddle, the bags nearly constantly packed in preparation for any sudden mission they might be sent on. Though he often had a sizeable break in between missions, there were times when they barely landed that they would be sent off again.
He'd noticed Eva's hesitance before climbing in her own saddle, and somehow he knew she was thinking of Antien. It was written all over her face, and though he smiled at her, he couldn't help but feel a jealous pang. He wondered if that was going to be all this trip.
Don't be a sour puss over this mission, even if that's how it turns out, Yuki told him as she took off. She circled around Eos a couple of times, taking in the younger dragon's scent.
I know, I know. I wouldn't dream of being any kind of burden on her anyway. Once they were steady in their flight, he reached for mental contact with Eva.
The trip is going to take a couple of days, since we have to fly around the Shade's territory, he informed her. He'd visited Dras-Leona a few times in the past, and he knew the fastest route would have taken them directly over the desert. I just hope we don't fly into a snowstorm along the way.
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Post by Max452 on Dec 28, 2012 21:30:24 GMT -5
Antien stared at his crafting tools, feeling quite empty today. He didn't feel like working at all, which was unnatural for the creative elf. His fingers picked up a sculpting tool, before they let it go out of sheer lack of will. Was this bound to happen whenever Eva was to leave on a mission now? Antien was not blind to see how his hallowed mood was founded on the simple fact that Eva was gone now. He exhaled softly. She had her duties to attend to. She was a dragon rider...a warrior that had a path to embark on...and he...would always support her in this, even if he was not going to be by her side.
Antien's grey eyes scanned his forge, feeling utterly useless and mundane. The passed few months of training Eva had made him realize how much his life was intwined with her's; it seemed centered on it now. He ran a tired hand through his hair, brushing back his loose bangs. He knew, he somehow knew that she was beginning to see his affections for her. There was some times when he had made it quite obvious, and others, when it was small and hidden from her, but always, his feelings for her grew. He sighed again. Eva was a Rider and as much as he disliked being away from her, he knew that this was for the best. She needed to find herself and to trust herself. She needed to discover what he knew all along: she was going to be great. He would not be a distraction for her. He picked up his tools and sat himself down on a stool. He would not! He tried to get to work again, but felt nothing come to mind. He would not be a distraction, but it seemed Eva was now his. In that moment, Antien knew, he was more the lovesick fool than the logical elf he thought he was and it was not going to change any time soon.
***
Tyrant stared at Daeron, a look of amusement in his eyes. "Looks like the boy is back." He said in a sing song voice. Daeron's eyes narrowed at Tyrant, but said nothing as they all stood before Katriana.
"Lookie! Lookie Kit Kat! I said I would make Daeron special! Now lookie! He's all trained and ready to blow things up!" Elijah exclaimed and cackled in madness for a good minute. "Wanna test him out!?" Elijah asked Katriana with a cryptic gleam in his eyes. "I'm sure there's a place that needs a makeover!"
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Post by Trinn on Dec 29, 2012 10:43:25 GMT -5
Eps allowed the older dragon to gain the sky before following after her. She beat her wings in great sweeps, catching up with Yuki. Eva watched the thoughts and sights of Eos's mind, finding those more interesting than her own. She particularly enjoyed the dragon name Eos had given Yuki; Blue Smoke. Her mind drifted away from Eos's when Shiki contacted her.
A wise plan.!she agreed. though I hope a winter storm is all we'll have to encounter this trip. she absentmindedly brought a hand to her throat, feeling the phantom grasp of Tyrants cold hand, the burning of her lungs without air. The cold touch of fear trailed a finger down her back, making her shiver.
remember, fear is the mind killer. Eos said sagely. It was an old mantra, read in some book written by some wise scholar. And how true it was. Eva whispered the adage aloud to herself now, and found the phrase gave her strength and peace of mind. She would not let her mind and actions become clouded by fear. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed herself and wrapped her arms around the ivory neck spike in front of her. She let her gaze wander over to Yuki. The dragon's scales shifted in the morning light like smoke drifting through the sky, tinged a pale blue. Blue Smoke. An appropriate name if ever there was one.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 30, 2012 15:27:53 GMT -5
Shiki sensed the fear from Eva just before he separated his mind from her. He knew that while she'd run off to look for Glory, she'd run across some of their enemies. He felt instantly angered that something had tried to harm her, and caused her to be afraid. He disliked her being afraid, or sad, or angry...if she felt anything other than contentment, he vowed to eliminate it. More than anything, he wanted her to be happy...even if that meant he couldn't be with her.
Shiki... Yuki told him as she steadied her flight.
I know, I know, he replied. He'd promised her he wouldn't pine and feel sorry for himself over this trip with Eva, but it was difficult with her being right there and him unable to say anything.
~~~~~
Katriana turned a bored expression to the ruckus coming toward her. She had been discussing with Van and Lycus over when might be a good time to strike with their full power, and she was not pleased to be interrupted by fools. Her eyebrow raised slightly when she spotted Daeron following after Elijah.
I thought we had rid ourselves of that useless nobody, she commented to Lycus, both bothered and intrigued by his presence. That he had come back after everything they had put him through rather amazed her. Perhaps she could find some use for him after all. So long as he was kept separated from Glory. And Sachi.
Katriana had sacrificed nearly a hundred good pawns to settle Sachiko's crazed rage upon losing the boy, and she was still incredibly unstable. Kat didn't send her out on recruiting missions anymore--she was more likely to destroy the entire town with her bare hands. When she wasn't in a senseless thirst for blood, Sachiko more often spent her time curled up on the ground somewhere, whispering nonsense to herself and sobbing. It seemed the damage Daeron had caused her would very nearly be permanent.
"Well, well...this is a pleasant surprise," the Shade Rider said, standing. She circled around the boy once, sizing him up. There was definately something different about him now. "I think I would like to see him in action." She gestured to an area for his demonstration.
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Post by Max452 on Dec 30, 2012 17:23:58 GMT -5
OOC: Trinn let me know when you would like to do flashbacks with Antien!
Lycus watched Daeron with an analytical eye. Aye. It appears, Elijah may have done something noteworthy afterall, my lady. See the boy's eyes - they are the eyes of a killer. It seems Elijah has tutored the boy in the art of assassination. This may be beneficial for you. Lycus replied, before Vanilor spoke too.
Kat...I smell... The dragon hesitated. He really didn't know what he smelled on the boy, but it was not his usual scent. He has changed...grown. I smell no fear on him. Vanilor narrowed his golden eye at Daeron, curious at what had changed.
***
Elijah smiled broadly at Katriana. "He'll make you proud, for sure! Hehe. He's even better at blowing things up than me!" Elijah slapped the boy's back, who just turned a dangerous eye at his Brother.
As Katriana circled around him, Daeron's eyes remained forward, knowing well not to annoy the Shade Rider. "I am here to do your bidding, Katriana." Daeron replied, his voice strong and cold. His thoughts momentarily wondered if Glory or Sachiko were here, but quickly retreated; he would not allow his emotions to dictate him. He had a mission to do and those two probably forgot about him already; they held no love for him so he would hold none for them. He moved to the area in which he would demonstrate his new skills for Katriana. He waited in the spot for his opponent.
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Post by Trinn on Dec 31, 2012 18:22:07 GMT -5
The first star appeared on the horizon, twinkling dimly at first. Eva watched it grow brighter, watched as its brethren sparked into life around it. She enjoyed being up in the sky, away from people sometimes. If only to see the beauty of nature unhindered. I think that's our cue to make camp. she told Eos. The dragon agreed, though she thought she could go until the morning.
Eos barked a friendly growl at Yuki and began the descent. They landed in a lightly snow covered grove. Eva dismounted and looked about. According to her, they would be half way to Dras- Leona now. She felt both nervous and excited to investigate the city. "We're making good time." she told Shiki, looking at him now with a smile.
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Post by Tismri on Dec 31, 2012 20:19:31 GMT -5
Katriana took note of everything her two silent companions pointed out to her. Yes, the boy had changed. He was no longer a weakling whining for attention. She wasn't sure what Elijah had done to Daeron, but it was a visible improvement.
"We shall see how well you may serve me," she told him in a steady voice. He had been an average magician and fighter before, nothing exceptionally special.
"Very well, who here would like to test his mettle against Daeron? The victor will stay in my army, and perhaps be in line for a promition. The loser..." a wide smirk crossed her face. "Well, the loser shall be dead." She swept her gaze over the crowds before her until she spotted a man about in his thirties, who she knew what of a slightly higher skill than Daeron was...or had been before his training. She pointed at him. "Thank you for volunteering, my dear." She gestured him closer to her and whispered in his head, brushing her mind against his to detect his motivations for being in her army. "If you kill him quickly, I will see to it you and your family are given a high place in my court upon our glorious victory." She patted him on the back and sent him to face Daeron.
Glory stood a distance back in the crowd, watching what was happening from afar. She'd not expected her brother to return. And she didn't want him to, not after she'd finally regained her clarity of mind. She wondered if he was just as trapped in Katriana's influence as she had been. She hoped not; if they were any more entangled in this mess, their family would be torn apart forever.
She turned away and walked back to where she'd left Seth sitting. She was amazed at his ability to seemingly fool the Shade with false loyalty. If Katriana ever caught on to it, Glory was afraid she would kill him without a second thought.
"Daeron's back," she told him in a worried tone as she sat down by him again.
~~~~~
Yuki followed Eos's lead to land and settled on the ground, almost perfectly blending in with the twilit snow, while Shiki slid off. He stretched his legs for a moment and shivered, wrapping his scarf more warmly around him. Were it not for his fear, he would have offered to build a fire for them, but as it was, if Eva wanted a fire, he would be staying as far away from it as possible.
He gave a small grunt at her statement. "We could be doing better," he told her. "I'd like to arrive there before dark tomorrow so we can get some work done." He glanced over at her curiously. "So this is your first mission since getting your sword, right? I mean, your first assigned mission. How are you feeling?"
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Post by Max452 on Jan 1, 2013 2:56:39 GMT -5
Daeron stared at his target with an expressionless gaze; he was already sizing the man up for weak points. His perpherial vision caught Elijah waving at him. He turned his head over to see the faux madman lift up three fingers.
"Three challenges so you can impress Kit Kat: 1) Kill him in less than a minute. 2) The killing blow has to be done by a knife! 3) Make it showy!" Elijah called out and then laughed. "This is going to be good, Kit Kat! You'll love him!" Eli proclaimed with pride, all the while, in the back of his sane mind, hoping that Daeron did not screw up in impressing Katriana - they had plans to do.
Daeron gave his Brother a nod and then turned back to his target. He couldn't help the small, but brief smirk that formed on his face. It would only take 10 seconds.
***
Seth had already sensed Daeron's return and listened carefully to ever word that was being spoken within the forming crowd. He heard Glory come back; her voice solemn. "Mmm, don't worry, Glory; your bonds will become strong again." He reassured her as he went to grip her hand. "Don't lose hope, okay? It'll work out." He grinned at her as he leaned his ear toward the fight.
***
Daeron's target charged at him, beginning the fight, his sword swiping to cut him in half from the waist up. Daeron narrowed his eyes, already deducing where the sword hand was going to be for his move to work. Elijah wanted him to be showy, eh? Well, he could do that. Using the man's own momentum, Daeron hopped upward, jumping over the blade, one hand pressing the swordhand down, while he manuevered to the man's right side.
Blurring passed the man, Daeron's left hand unshealthed a hidden dagger from his wrist. He twisted the blade around in less than a blink, so that the blade was pointed toward the man rather than Daeron's front. Swinging his arm back, Daeron stabbed the man behind the neck and straight throught to the man's jugular (ending his life instantly) as he swing himself around so he was facing the back of his target. Daeron's right hand immediately went to a side pouch at his waist, pulled out a small puddy looking substance that held two little cylinders that were the size of a man's pinky, and slammed it onto the man's back. Daeron back flipped away - kicking the man in the back - and skidded right in front of Katriana, his eyes never leaving his kill, but aware of the Shade behind him, as he uttered one word. "Ma'mor."
The cylinders that were attached to the puddy shattered, mixing the two compounds that Daeron had placed inside, causing an explosion to be made. It was a light explosion, compared to ones he was use to, but it did the trick as the man's upper half was blown to pieces. Daeron turned around to face Katriana as a thud behind him was heard. "Does that please you, Katriana?" Daeron asked politely.
OOC: Ehehee! I can't wait for Daeron and some Shade to go up against Eva and Shiki! Ninja v. Ninja, right Trinn? hehe.
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Post by Trinn on Jan 2, 2013 19:00:44 GMT -5
OOC: My thoughts exactly Max!
Eva wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the cold. It was at this point that she would normally light a fire, but for two reasons she withheld. Firstly, because a fire may draw the attention of enemies. Secondly, she knew that Shiki felt a certain amount of fear around fire. She did not want to make him any crankier than he normally was. So instead, she uttered a short spell, creating a bubble like ward around their small group, in a similar fashion of her mother's bubble wards. After a few minutes, the cold stopped seeping into her bones, and a small warmth overcame them. She had trapped the warm air inside the bubble. "Yes." she said, answering Shiki's question, feeling rather abashed. "I would say it's the first mission appointed to me by the elder's. My mission with Antien was self-appointed, but no less official." Eva had been reprimanded already for flying off to save Glory, but she would not be made to regret it. Just because she had decided to go off on a quest of her own design did not make it any less important or meaningful. She would not speak of it as if it were something to be ashamed of.
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Post by Tismri on Jan 2, 2013 20:30:31 GMT -5
Shiki noticed appreciatively as Eva performed a spell that kept them warm without having to light a fire. He never was much for learning magic himself, and in many ways was only barely compentent enough to be a Rider. He only knew a handful of spells that could be half-way effective in battle, and they were more often distractions than direct attacks.
"I'm sure the elders would disagree with that statement," he pointed out to her insisting that her own self-appointed mission was just as official as any assignment. "Besides, you didn't succeed, right? Glory's still with the Shade Ri--OW!" Yuki suddenly jabbed him in the back with a talon. He glanced back at her, annoyed.
~~~~~
Katriana sat back and enjoyed the show. Although it was over in just a few seconds, the Shade did not miss a single detail of the battle. Daeron's movements were quick and certain, and there was no wasted movement. She made a note that he'd pulled a dagger that was concealed by his wrist, and concluded that he must have more. He knew exactly where to strike to kill the man instantly, which impressed her. The ending explosion simply caused her to smirk. Yes, Elijah had most definately had a hand in his training.
Maybe he will be useful after all, she commented to Lycus and Van. When Daeron asked his question, Katriana allowed a broad smile to spread across her face.
"Indeed it does," she told him. "Your skills have vastly improved, my dear Daeron. I must say, whatever training Elijah has put you through, you have been made quite the killer." She gave a suspicious eye at the mad bomber--she'd never expected such movements from him, much less any sort of ability to teach them. She turned back to Daeron, moving toward him. She gently touched his shoulder her smile more gentle than before.
"I welcome you back into my service with open arms," she told him in a near whisper.
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Post by Max452 on Jan 3, 2013 0:21:29 GMT -5
OOC: Hehe..I cannot wait! *smiles deviously*
Daeron refrained from flinching as he felt Katriana's touch; he did not like it at all. His face was void of emotion as he spoke, but his voice, sounded thrilled. "Thank you Katriana; I will not disappoint, I assure you." The young man turned his head slightly so that his eyes were leveled with the Shade's. "I am your tool." He added before flicking his eyes back to Elijah, who was approaching.
"Seeeeee Kit Kat! I did good, yes? Just like I promised?" Elijah asked, his voice seeking approval from the Shade Queen. "You're proud of me, yes?" Eli asked and Daeron refrained from rolling his eyes at the Elijah's great acting skills. This man was anything but a madman. He didn't know how Eli managed, but it was nice to know that he could count on his Brother for anything. "He'll make you real proud! Send him out and you'll see! He'll make a grand spectacle for you!"
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